DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has called on the public and groups most vulnerable to influenza to get the free seasonal influenza vaccine, noting that receiving the vaccine before the peak influenza season allows the body to build immunity to reduce the spread of influenza, especially among people at risk of complications.
HMC said the current period before the start of the winter season is the best time for all members of society to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine, especially for those most at risk of complications from influenza infection.
In this regard, Dr Muna Al Maslamani, Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital and CEO of the Communicable Disease Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, said: "Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses that sometimes affect the nose, throat and lungs, causing mild to severe illness and sometimes leading to death.”
She pointed out that the groups most vulnerable to complications from the virus compared to others are people over the age of 50, those with chronic diseases regardless of age, children from 6 months to 5 years old, pregnant women, health care workers and caregivers.
Dr Al Muslimmani stressed that the best way to reduce the incidence of influenza is to get the influenza vaccine annually and early, to ensure protection before the onset of winter, stressing the necessity of receiving the vaccine since everyone is susceptible to influenza.
She explained that the influenza vaccine reduces diseases associated with the risk of influenza complications that can result in the patient being hospitalized or even dying, as getting the vaccine before the peak influenza season allows the body to build immunity, which is essential to limiting the spread of influenza, especially among people at risk of complications.
"The process of getting the vaccine is fast and effective. The vaccine has been comprehensively tested and proven to protect against influenza, ensuring the health and well-being of individuals and society.”
Seasonal influenza vaccines are available free of charge in all Primary Health Care Centers, outpatient clinics at Hamad Medical Corporation, and in more than 30 private and semi-private clinics and hospitals in Qatar.